Not much to report, but I am going to do some shameless self-promoting here…(shame on you FP33) But anyway, if you are enjoying this story and hate the wait between updates, may I humbly recommend you check out my other stories to kill time until our next posing?

Siren of the Sea – where Erik is a Pirate.

The Angel of Persia – Erik is given Christine as a gift by the Shah.

And The Phantom Triumphant – an alternate ending to the beloved ALW play,

All by FantomPhan33.

Ok, self-promotion time is over. Now, how about we see what Erik thinks of Christine's news…shall we?

.

53

Secrets To Tell

.

.

After leaving Maria de Coleville where she sat weeping on the floor of his office, Erik had not gotten far before he was met by Bernard, requesting his master's attention with matters about the repairs to the castle and surrounding buildings. Work was well underway but a few issues still needed his care. Erik was not truly in the mood for this, but as the Lord of Winterbourne, it was his duty to attend to such matters. The issue of what to do about the hidden passages was of greatest concern, for without them, the pirates would not have been able to gain access to the castle so easily. Granted it was due to Beatrice's foreknowledge of them, having lived at Winterbourne long enough to have mapped them all out for nefarious purposes, yet Erik was not willing to take the chance that others might be aware of them as well. He thus gave orders to have most of them sealed up, especially the ones that lead to the cliffs and to locations outside the castle walls. The rest he would have barred with a gate or door, which only he and a few of his most trusted men would carry the keys to. It took several hours to map out the plan but when everything had at last been taken care of to his satisfaction, he bid his steward good evening and headed back inside the castle.

Erik felt drained, dealing with the de Colevilles as well as estate issues had taken a lot out of him, and now all he wanted was to feel Christine's healing arms around him once more. He saw several of the kitchen maids heading towards him carrying trays of food, which he assumed were for the de Coleville's dinner. When they stopped in the hall and gave a curtsey, he took the opportunity to question them.

"Where is your mistress," he asked, a bit perplexed when all three began to giggle nervously at his question, not one daring to make eye contact with him. Why would his inquiry illicit such an odd reaction? His first thought was perhaps what he and Christine had done in the stables had somehow been spread around, but he knew that Bernard would not have been so foolish as to speak of such matters. No it had to be something else, but when it came to twittering scullery maids, he couldn't even hazard a guess.

"She has gone to the main hall with the children, my Lord," the maid named Janette replied, still averting her eyes but unable to wipe the knowing smile off her face.

"Very good," Erik nodded. Then after giving the odd girls one last questioning glance he strode down the hall, choosing to ignore the giggling any further.

.

.

Erik found Christine and his children in the main hall just as he was told, the idyllic family scene bringing a warmth to his chest. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes, watching them all, playing, laughing and having a wonderful time. Helena was busy looking through a stack of books, deciding on which one she might take to read to Karl tomorrow while both Jacob and Charles were dueling it out in a mock battle with wooden swords. Sarah and Sabrina were twirling and jumping in front of Christine, who was clapping her hands in appreciation for their dancing skills. As he observed them, a sudden thought sent shivers down his spine, recalling that only a few days ago he could have lost all this to the wickedness of Beatrice and Philippe de Coleville. Yet he had not, and it was this picture – that of his wife and children – that he would fight and die to protect.

"Papa!" little Sabrina yelled when she caught sight of her father. "Come watch us dance!" The young girl did another pirouette, narrowly avoiding colliding into her sister as she did.

"Yes, Papa," Sarah chimed in. "We can dance pretty! Mama said so."

"Well far be it from me to disagree with your mother," Erik laughed as he came in and sat beside Christine, watching as his two youngest girls danced and laughed. They looked more like wobbly baby dear, but no sight was more pleasing to the Black Knight. Well, perhaps one sight was… "And how are you this evening, little one?" He asked, leaning in to nuzzle her ear slightly, doing his best not to take his eyes off of his insistent twins.

"I…I am well," she said, blushing a bit at his question.

"Hmmmm, your answer does not instill me with confidence," Erik joked, seeing the redness spread from her face and down her neck. He found he wondered just how far her blush might continue…and looked forward to finding out later. "Perhaps we should continue this particular conversation later tonight, once the children have gone to bed?"

"Yes, my lord, I would enjoy that very much," Christine assured him, taking his hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. Oh she was indeed looking forward to the moment she had him alone tonight, but perhaps not for the same reasons he had in mind.

"Look father!" Jacob called from the side of the room, dragging his attention away from his lovely bride. He spent the next half an hour watching and instructing his sons on how to not only deliver a blow, but how to successfully block one as well. Yet all too soon their merriment was put on hold by the announcement that dinner was being served in the dining hall.

Once they were all seated and the food was brought in, Erik found himself a bit perplexed by the size of the feast spread before them. This was more like what one would serve at a banquet, not a simple dinner with his wife and children. Erik looked up at Anne in confusion as she continued to direct the maids who were bringing in still more food.

"And what is the occasion for all this?" he asked, taking in the delicious smells.

"Antoinette has released herself from her sick bed and has taken over the kitchen upon your orders, Sire," she explained, with a shrug of her shoulders. "I think it is her way of trying to impress you so that you will not regret your decision to keep her here at Winterbourne."

"Well if she continues like this she will be assured a permanent home for life, that is for certain," he told her as she ladled out the tasty looking soup. He then looked over at Christine and smiled. "Although, if she didn't even know how to boil water without burning it, I would have still kept her on to please you, madam wife."

"And for that simple fact I will be eternally grateful to you, Sir Knight," she smiled back, loving how thoughtful he was towards her wishes.

The rest of the meal went along splendidly, each course and dish a delight to the eyes as well as the pallet. In the end, Erik pushed his chair back from the table, full and satisfied. Jacob did the same thing, followed by Charles in imitation of his father and brother. The girls launched into more talk about their day and the dancing lesson lady Ophelia had given them, as Helena talked about how well Karl was now getting on. The boys joined in, trying to rile their older sister with teasing about how she liked the boy, but she would not bite. It was now quite obvious to all, including her, that she cared for him and no one was going to make her feel embarrassed about it. The merriment continued for quite some time but when Erik noticed Christine trying to hide a yawn he knew it was time to send the children to bed. He recalled how tired his wife had been after their afternoon activity and he did not wish for her to become too sleepy before he could demonstrate his desires for her a second time that day. He had quite a few nights to be making up for.

The kids all moaned and protested when he announced it was time for bed, but a stern look on his part silenced them quite efficiently. They were just begging for a song and story from Christine when Bernard entered the room, giving a bow to Erik and Christine.

"Your pardon, my Lord," he began, feeling as if he were intruding on the family's evening. "But you said you wished to inspect the supplies collected to be sent to the Continey's manor in the morning?"

"Yes, I did," Erik agreed, not really wishing to take time now to do it, but he did want to make sure everything was in order. It was the least he could do to the family he had wronged. He turned to Christine and the children. "Why don't you put the children to bed with a song while I will tend to this. I will then meet you in our chambers, for I believe there was something I said we needed to discuss." He let his last words hang in the air with a silent promise.

"Aye, my lord, you did indeed," Christine said with a knowing grin. She then nodded and ushered the children out of the dining hall and up towards their bed chambers.

When they had at last left his sight, Erik was able to pull his eyes away from them and back to Bernard, who was now standing there with his hands behind his back and a very amused expression on his face. Erik gave a low growl as he walked past the grinning man, knowing it was going to be quite a while before he lived down his escapades in the stables.

.

.

Erik scanned the wagons that had been loaded, checking for anything that might have been overlooked. He ordered that more thatching be sent, recalling the amount of damage he had noticed the Continey's roof had sustained. Once he was satisfied, he bid Bernard good night and headed back into the castle. He was anxious to return to Christine and would allow no further interruptions to his plans.

He entered their chambers, disappointed that his wife had not yet returned from putting the children to bed. He busied himself changing out of his day clothes, stoked up the fireplace and then waited. It had already been an hour since he had left the dining area…how long did it take to sing a song and get five children to fall asleep? After another half an hour he became concerned, was something wrong? When he could wait no longer, he tossed on a tunic over his breeches and headed towards the children's rooms.

First he poked his head into the boy's room and he saw they were both sound asleep, but no sign of Christine. Next he opened the door to the girl's room, and there he found her. His three daughters were all tucked in bed, fast asleep, and so was Christine. She was sitting on the small bed with her back against the head board and Helena snuggled against her side. Her beautiful eyes shut in peaceful slumber. Erik couldn't help but smile at the touching scene before him, mother and daughter wrapped in sleep and love. He slipped in and knelt down beside her, raising his hand to touch her cheek, watching her eyes flutter open.

"I think the children are quite settled in now," he whispered, watching a sheepish grin spread over her face.

"I am sorry, I told myself I was just going to shut my eyes for a moment," she confessed, trying to hide a sleepy yawn.

"Let's get you to bed, madam wife," Erik chuckled, reaching out and scooping her up in his strong arms. "You just rest; I will get you there safely."

"All right," she said, snuggling against his chest as she closed her eyes once more. "But wake me when we get there, I have something I wish to discuss with you," she yawned.

"I too have several subjects I wish to broach with you as well, my dear," he smiled. It did not take long to get back to their chambers and after pushing the door open with his foot he gently laid her down on the bed, watching as she rolled over and snuggled down into the soft mattress. He stood there and watched as she slept for a few moments, marveling once more at how he had managed to find such an angelic creature that could learn to love him. His chest swelled with pride and love as he thought of all the things she had done for him and his children, how she had brightened each of their lives in such a short amount of time.

Erik walked back over and shut the door quietly, bolting it securely as he stripped off his tunic and eased himself down on the bed beside her. He reached out and moved a wisp of hair that had fallen across her face, yet she did not stir. Recalling how tired she had seemed that day and how her eyes had been drooping at dinner, he decided not to wake her. As her husband it was his duty to care for his wife, to see that her needs were put before his own – and right now his wife needed rest. There would be plenty of time to satisfy his own needs for the feel of her body against his as they made love…in the morning. So laying a feather light kiss on her forehead, he removed his mask, pulled the covers up over the both of them and soon joined her in sleep.

.

.

Erik woke to the sounds of birds outside their chamber window, chirping and singing as they announced the beginning of a whole new day. For so long he had dreaded opening his eyes to face his lonely existence, the endless days that seemed to stretch ahead of him without hope. Yet now he felt renewed, invigorated and eager to spend his days in the company of his beautiful wife and children. Today he opened his eyes with pleasure, and was rewarded for doing so as he looked upon the still sleeping form of Christine. He wanted to give her more time with her dreams, but just the sight of her was making his body swell with need, an undeniable ache to cover her with kisses was quickly overtaking him.

Erik reached out and ran his fingers down the side of her face, letting his thumb caress her delicate pink lips. He smiled as she opened her eyes, the haze of sleep fading as she seemed to focus on him. His smile instantly faded however as the expression on his wife's face became one of panic. She instantly sat up in bed, her eyes darting around the room as she covered her mouth with her hand and bolted from the bed. Within seconds she had made it to the wash basin and was ridding herself of the contents of her stomach.

If Erik had not been so sure of his wife's love for him and her acceptance of his mangled face, he might have thought that he was the cause of her plight. Yet he quickly pushed such fears aside as he leapt out of bed and rushed to her side. Steadying her with one hand on her shoulder, he used his other to pull her hair back for her as she once more gagged into the container. When she seemed to have finished, he eased her down onto the floor, resting her head across his bent knees as he sat there with her. Reaching up he grabbed the jug of water and a cloth, dunking the rag into the pitcher and wringing it out he mopped her brow and rubbed the cool rag across her neck. The action seemed to sooth her for he watched the color slowly reappear in her cheeks and her breathing return to normal. He continued to apply the cool cloth as he spoke gently to her, assuring her that he was there and that she would be all right very soon.

"Thank you," she was able to murmur after a bit, the nausea at last subsiding. She looked up at him and gave a weak smile. "I am sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," he assured her, helping her into a sitting position. "You are obviously ill. I will send for the physician from Valmour immediately."

"No, there is no need for that," she contradicted.

"Of course there is, I will not sit by and allow my wife to suffer when I can do something to help," he argued.

"Truly, there is no need, for my condition has already been diagnosed by an expert." Christine would have laughed at the absurdity of it all if it were not for the look of panic that came over Erik's face.

"By who? What expert?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the thought of some man examining his wife without his knowledge, regardless of his medical profession.

"Antoinette," Christine continued, hoping that this would ease his mind.

"Our new cook?" he asked, looking perplexed. "What does she know about illnesses? Her range of expertise lies in the kitchen and delivering…" His words stopped there as his mind finally caught up with what he was saying.

"Yes Erik," she smiled, confirming his conclusion. "She said the reason I have been feeling tired and sick to my stomach is because I am with child…your child." She then waited with anxious breath for him to speak, hoping that he would indeed be as pleased with the news as she had been. He did not disappoint her.

"A baby?" he all but gasped, his eyes looking down at her stomach as if he hoped to see the tiny infant growing within. "You are carrying my child?"

"Yes," she smiled, taking his hand and placing it over her abdomen as she looked up at his shocked face. "Does this please you, my lord? I know you have been blessed with five beautiful children before this, but…" she was unable to finish her thought for he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her in for a gentle embrace.

"Does it please me?" he repeated, his voice hardly above a whisper. "I cannot think of anything that would cause me more joy in this world." He pulled back and cupped her face between his large hands as he looked directly into her eyes. "To know that you will bear me a child is more than pleasing, it is perfect!" He was quiet for a while, as if he was lost in deep thought and had come to a realization. "I…I was never present for the births of my other children, not one of them. I was either gone, not allowed in or unaware of when they came into the world. This will be the first one I will get a chance to witness, and I swear that I will be at your side for every moment." He looked up at her suddenly and asked hopefully. "That is if you wish for me to be present."

"I would like that very much," Christine smiled, tears of gratitude and love beginning to run down her cheeks. Erik wiped them away and began to lean in to kiss her, but she pulled back, bracing her hands against his chest. "Nay, my lord! Not until I have had a chance to rinse my mouth!" she gasped, horrified to think of him kissing her after what she had just done.

This made Erik laugh, a deep and hearty chuckle that resounded around the room. He then leaned in and placed an array of kisses all over her face, starting from one cheek and spreading over her forehead to the other side and ending on her pert little nose. When he was finished displaying his pleasure with her news he jumped to his feet and swung her up in his arms once again, careful not to jostle her too much in the process. He then sat her down in one of the overstuffed chairs before the fireplace and knelt down in front of her. Taking both her hands in his, he kissed the back of each one reverently.

"You are my greatest treasure, Christine," he told her. "The one thing I prize above all else, and from this day forward I will tend to your every need or care. If you desire it, I will fetch it for you - and if I am busy I will see that you are surrounded with servants who will do it in my stead."

"Please no, Erik," she laughed. "I am having a child, I am not an invalid. I do not wish to be treated like a fragile piece of glass. I am the mistress of Winterbourne and your wife, I fully intend to fulfill that role…in every way possible."

Erik raised an eyebrow at her suggestive words, understanding exactly what she was implying. He recalled that while Beatrice had been carrying Jacob they had still engaged in the occasional nightly activity, at least until she claimed that her size made it uncomfortable for her and insisted they desist. Then after he had been disfigured by the Jackal, she had not allowed him anywhere near her while carrying Helena. Yet to hear his beautiful Christine say that she would welcome his affections during her pregnancy caused him to love her even more…if that was at all possible.

"However…" she began again, looking down at her hands sheepishly. "Perhaps not first thing in the morning…at least until I am over being sick upon first waking up."

Erik laughed once more and nodded his agreement; he could not imagine the experience being a pleasant one for either of them under such conditions.

"Of course my love, whatever you wish," he told her, kissing her cheek once more. "I will send Meg up immediately to help you bathe and get dressed, while I go see that the wagons are sent out to the Continey manor - as well as the departure of the de Colevilles. Then if you are feeling better, perhaps you and I can celebrate in style," he suggested, hoping she understood his meaning.

"First I would like to tell the children our news," she suggested, eager to share the excitement with them as well.

"I think that is a splendid idea," he agreed, heading for the door. He had his hand on the latch, but he stopped suddenly and turned back with a wide grin. He then crossed the room in two strides and brought his lips down upon hers in a tender but possessive manner, apparently not caring one bit what she had done earlier. When he pulled back he could see both shock and love in her dazed eyes. "This day, you have made me the happiest man alive, madam wife." And with that he left the room, almost as if walking on air.

.

.

Bernard stood in the courtyard, watching them tie down the last of the supplies. He was still at a loss as to what had caused the Black Knight to suddenly grant forgiveness against the Continey family that had wronged him in the past. But if truth be told, he had always thought what his master had done was rather harsh. It was good to see him in a more forgiving and generous mood these days, and he knew that Lady Christine was the one to thank for it. In fact he was certain that she was responsible for every good thing that had happened at Winterbourne lately. And apparently her influence was still just as strong, for as he spied Erik coming out of the main hall he could not remember when he had seen his master looking so happy. This was confirmed when the giant knight walked right up to Bernard and grabbed him around the waist, spinning his bewildered, and rather embarrassed, steward around in circles.

"Sir Erik!" he yelled, looking around to see who might be witnessing this rather unmanly display. "Put me down! What madness has overcome you? "

"I am happy, Bernard!" Erik laughed, setting the rusty haired man down, and watching as he straightened his tunic in attempts to compose himself. "In fact I am beyond happy, I am beside myself with joy!"

"That is quite evident," Bernard admitted. "What may I ask has you so pleased this morning?" he chuckled slyly, as if he didn't know already.

"I am going to be a father, Bernard!" he told him, slapping him on the back in merriment. "A father!"

"My Lord…" Bernard began, his face becoming confused. "Last time I checked, you were a father…five times over."

"Well now thanks to my lovely wife, you can bring that number to six!" When the man still stared at him as if he could not quite grasp what he was saying Erik spoke plainly. "Christine is with child, Bernard! She is having my baby!"

This time his steward reacted in the manner he had originally expected, his mouth dropped open and his eyes grew wide with surprise, followed closely by elation.

"A baby?" he gasped, his smile now almost as broad at Erik's. "Congratulations! There is no better news in the world than the blessing of a child. Although, you may wish to be a little more careful from here on out," he warned, giving his master a knowing wink. "The way you and Lady Christine seem to…enjoy the heat of the day, as often as you do, Winterbourne will soon be bursting at the seams with children. " If Erik had not been in such a good mood, Bernard felt he may have received a severe cuff to the head for such a brazen statement. Yet when the Black Knight only gave him a huff of contempt, accompanied by a sly smile, he could tell that he was in no immediate danger of this. He then reached out and grasped his master's hand and shook it vigorously. "How soon before we can expect the new Lord or Lady of Winterbourne to arrive?"

"I…I do not know," Erik admitted, pulling up short as his face became perplexed. "I forgot to ask, yet I would guess no sooner than eight months."

"Well whenever it arrives, it will be welcomed with joy and celebration," Bernard assured him, now eager to share this news with Ophelia. He had also been thinking lately that it would be nice to add a little girl to their own family, yet the time had never quite seemed right. However, now that peace had come to Winterbourne, he saw no better time than the present. Perhaps tonight he would broach the subject with his lovely wife, using Erik's good news as the catalyst.

"Yes it will," Erik agreed, laughing once more as his happiness seemed to bubble forth. Yet his mirth was short lived for just then he caught sight of Pierre and his family exiting the prison tower and being escorted towards them. He would be glad indeed to be rid of the de Colevilles one and for all.

"Is the wagons ready?" he asked Bernard, taking his eyes off of the offending threesome.

"Aye, my Lord," Bernard assured him, motioning towards the four wagons containing all the supplies Erik had ordered. "We are sending six servants to assist them over the next few days as well, ones who are skilled in thatching, masonry and horticulture. The cleaning and smaller repairs will have to be done by them and their new house guests." He then gave a snort of derision over the idea of any of them doing an honest day's work. And yet, he had to admit that the family had changed considerably since he had first met them nearly three months ago when Erik had gone in search of a bride.

Erik then turned his attention to the de Coleville's in front of him, at last satisfied that he could rely on full cooperation from each one of them. They had little choice and his threat of disclosure and death would ensure their continued support. Once more he hoped that he was not heaping more hardships upon the Contineys than intended with these three. Yet how they learned to get along was their affair, not his and he would only interfere if he felt there was just cause. Erik then addressed them firmly.

"The wagons are ready to depart, and when you set foot outside the castle gates consider yourselves no longer welcome within Winterbourne's walls. You will keep your distance from here and never attempt to make contact with my wife again. As long as you follow my instructions you will all live to a ripe old age…defy me once and your lives are forfeit," he told them sternly, offering them one last warning. "No go, leave my sight and never return."

The three nodded and quickly fell in behind the wagons as they lumbered out the gates and onto the road leading to the Continey manor. As Erik watched them depart, fading into the morning light, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He had done as Christine asked, he had shown mercy and allowed them to live, where only a few months ago he would have killed them without an ounce of remorse. Perhaps his lovely bride was taming the beast after all?

.

.

WHAT? No Christine! Don't tame Erik…we like him wild! Oh well….

So looks like Erik is happy he is going to be a daddy!

What did you think of personal restraint in letting his wife sleep last night? Talk about will power!

We would love to hear from you – log in, send us a review and we will send you a 'hot off the presses' sneak preview of Monday's chapter.